Medicinal cannabis licences to be given priority in move to cut red tape

Growers of medical marijuana will get fast-tracked licences as the government looks to beef up Australia’s medicinal cannabis industry and help those with chronic or terminal illness.

Medical marijuana growers will be given fast-tracked licences for big projects under a move to boost Australia’s medicinal cannabis industry.

From September, companies will be able to apply for “major project status” which will give them faster access to medicinal cannabis licences.

There are already 69 licences to cultivate, produce or manufacture medicinal cannabis, including 15 in Victoria.

The government is looking to simplify the licensing scheme by cutting red tape and reducing the level of ­detail required to apply.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the new ­arrangement would give ­applicants priority to medicinal cannabis licences through the Office of Drug Control.

The government is looking to simplify the licensing scheme by cutting red tape and reducing the level of ­detail required to apply to grow medicinal cannabis. Picture: AFP

“It showcases the Morrison Government’s commitment to boosting local industry and helping those living with chronic or terminal illnesses,” Mr Hunt said.

“Cutting red tape and streamlining processes will strengthen this important and evolving industry, and ensure medicinal cannabis is available to Australian patients under proper medical supervision,” Mr Hunt said.

“As part of these changes, the government will also work towards a single licence model so there will now be one application for a medicinal cannabis licence, covering cultivation, production, manufacture and research.”

Science Minister Karen Andrews said: “The Morrison Government is committed to making it as streamlined as possible for companies to invest and do business in Australia, so we can grow the economy and create jobs.

Health Minister Greg Hunt says the new ­arrangement would give ­applicants priority to medicinal cannabis licences through the Office of Drug Control. Picture: AAP

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“The projects will still have to meet all of the approvals ­required, but this arrangement will make sure that they are not being held up by unnecessary delays,” she said.

The government has also agreed in principle to adopt all of the recommendations of the recently completed review of Australia’s drug laws.

Changes to the Narcotic Drugs Regulation 2016 will reduce the regulatory burden on licence applicants, and ­reduce the time it takes to apply and the level of detail required.

Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia chair Peter Crock said it was important to further streamline the process to give accelerated access to Australian patients.

Mr Crock, chief executive of leading cannabis developers Cann Group, said priority should be given to companies that were investing more heavily.

“There are clear signs of ­increased awareness of the benefits of medicinal cannabis and this is coming through in higher prescription numbers and stronger engagement from the medical community,” he said.

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